The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Simon Lalong

  • Lalong urges fervent prayers for successful elections in 2019

    Governor  Simon Lalong has called on Muslims to pray fervently for the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    Lalong’s call is contained in a statement released on Tuesday in Jos, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Mark Longyen, to felicitate with Muslims on the celebration of Maulud.

    According to the governor, the prayers are intended to ask God to take charge of proceedings so that the elections will be peaceful and for the emergence of credible leaders that will run the affairs of the country with the fear of the Almighty God.

    He urged the Muslim faithful to also pray for enduring peace in Plateau.

    Lalong also advised them to live peacefully with all men as taught by Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

    The governor maintained that without prayers, brotherly love, forgiveness, harmony, tolerance and accommodation, religion would be meaninglessness while peace would be elusive in the society.

    Read Also: Opportunities abound in APC, says Lalong

    He admonished the Muslim faithful to align themselves with the teachings and virtues of the prophet and to seize the opportunity presented by his birthday to intensify prayers for peace and unity in the country.

    “Religion should be the moral compass for all believers in their public and personal lives.

    “People should let the teachings of their religions to influence their conduct, in order to eliminate challenges such as corruption, kidnapping and killing, among other things,” he added.

    He reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to take proactive measures aimed at safeguarding their lives and property.

    NAN

     

  • Lalong tasks council chairmen on rural development

    Election observers hail council re-run

    Plateau state governor Simon Lalong has tasked newly elected council chairmen in the state to concentrate on the provision of social infrastructure for rural populace so as to improve standard of living at the grassroots.

    The governor gave the task while swearing in two local governments chairmen who emerged after a re-run election held in two councils where elections were declared inconclusive during the main election.

    The two council chairmen includes Amos Nanloh winner of Langtang North local government and Engr. Lawrence Danat of Mangu Local government.

    Election observers has earlier hailed the conduct of the re-run describing it as peaceful and credible.

    The coalition of observers commended the state electoral commission PLASIEC for providing level playing ground for all stakeholders that participated in the entire processes.

    The council election saw the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) emerged winner in all the 13 local governments where the election was conducted.

    While swearing in the chairmen in government house Rayfield Jos on Saturday, Governor Lalong said, “Indeed, today’s occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of the duly elected Chairmen of Mangu and Langtang Local Government Councils, is very significant, particularly because it is a fulfillment of the promise I made at the onset of my administration that I would conduct elections in local governments to ensure that democracy is firmly entrenched at the grassroots.

    “Our desired developmental aspirations for the grassroots cannot be overemphasized, and this would only be achieved if we have democratic structures firmly rooted there to ensure that the rural populace gets the much-needed dividends of democracy from us.

    “It is in recognition of the importance that we place on the rural communities that the state government awarded rural road contracts in all the 17 local government areas of the state in order to open them up for development as encapsulated in our 5-Point Policy Thrust.

    “Having sworn-in eleven victorious Council Chairmen earlier, the two others who won the rerun election have their chance to be sworn-in today following their victory as announced by PLASIEC.

    Read Also: Lalong lauds conduct of local government poll

    “Let me congratulate the brand new elected Chairmen of Mangu and Langtang North LGs for having satisfied the requirements of the recently conducted elections and were so declared winners after a hard fought battle.

    To contestants of other political parties, Gov. Lalong said, “those who lost in the local government elections across all the political parties, I urge them to simply eschew the spirit of sportsmanship, embrace the winners and join hands with them to support them in the Herculean task of building the state and local governments of our dream.

    “For those who think otherwise, they are at liberty to challenge the outcome of the elections at the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal already in place instead of resorting to self-help as witnessed in a few areas recently. Let me warn that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, will bring all those who take the law into their hands to face the wrath of the law.

    “At this juncture, I wish to appreciate all those who served as Management Committee Chairmen of the thirteen councils and say without mincing words that the places of their service have gone down in the history of our dear state.

    “I wish to let the new chairmen realize that they are coming into office at a time that the financial challenges are enormous, but I trust you will use your judgment to impact the local Government positively for the overall interest of the people of your localities.

    “I wish to also re-echo my charge at the Swearing in of the eleven local government Chairmen that elected leaders must be seen to exhibit the exemplary conduct both within and outside the office and you must also be above board as the people deserve the best of the dividends of democracy.

    “Let me at this juncture state categorically that the Rescue Government is a team, and the mandate we have is to deliver as a team on all that the people are expected of us”

  • APC clear National Secretary, 23 others for 2019 governorship poll

    The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has affirmed the nomination of the party’s National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni and 23 others as governorship candidates of the party for the 2019 governorship election across the country.

    Also cleared to fly the party flag are Lagos state flag bearer, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong, Bauchi state Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, Kebbi state Governor, Abubakar Bagudu and Katsina state Governor, Aminu Bello MASARI.

    Others are Jigawa stage Governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Niger state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, Sokoto state deputy governor, Ahmed Aliyu, Prof. Babagana Umara-Zulum (Borno), Abubakar Sule (Nasarawa), Emmanuel JIme (Benue), Tonye Cole (Rivers), Uche Ogah (Abia), Nsima Ebere (Akwa Ibom), Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo), Fapo Abiodun (Ogun), Great Ogboru (Delta), Senator John Owan Enoh (Cross River), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Senator Sunny Ogboji (Ebonyi) and Sani Abubakar Danladi (Taraba).

    Read Also: FG committed to promoting Social Security — Ngige

    Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena said in a statement that the clearance followed the adoption of the report of the various electoral committee sent to conduct the primaries in the various states.

    The governorship primaries for Enugu, Kwara and Adamawa states have not been conducted, while the party has cancelled the primary in Zamfara and Imo states due to irregularities.

    The NWC also approved the report of the pane, that conducted the governorship primary in Ogun State which declared Dapo Abiodun as the candidate of the party.

  • Buhari, nine APC governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed doors with nine governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The governors that met with the President included Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

    Other are Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Sani Bello (Niger).

    Also at the meeting are Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa).

    Most of the governors have issues with the primaries held in their states.

    They were led out of the President’s office after about two hours’ meeting by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

    Kyari followed them to the entrance where they entered their vehicles.

    Read Also: NJC recommends dismissal of two judges

    He also drove in his vehicle and followed the governors as they moved out from the administration gate.

    But before the governors entered their vehicles, Okorocha spoke briefly to State House correspondents on the purpose of the meeting.

    He said: “We came to review the various crises characterizing our primaries especially the APC with a view to finding solution.

    “So, we are looking for a way out in this regard. We are going to find solution, our party believes in justice, equity and fairness.

    “We are requesting that let the right thing be done and let everyone contest the elections,” he said.

  • Lalong’s Director of Press dies in India

    Mr Emmanuel Nanle, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, is dead.

    Nanle died on Tuesday night in an Indian hospital, according to family sources.

    The sources said Nanle was flown to India last Thursday when his situation could not be handled locally.

    Mr Mark Longyen, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Lalong on Media and Publicity, confirmed the death to News Agency of Nigeria in Jos on Wednesday.

    Read Also: I spent 40 days in Jos prison – Gov Lalong

    Longyen said the state government received the news of Nanle’s death with shock.

    The SSA could not, however, disclose what Nanle died of but a source told News Agency of Nigeria that he died of colon cancer.

    According to the source, the late director was treated of the disease in January in India.

  • Lalong regrets fresh attacks in Plateau

    Plateau state government says it is intensifying collaboration with security agencies to bring to an end attacks on communities by criminal elements who are bent on taking the state back to the dark days.

    The State Commissioner of Information & Communication Yakubu Dati in a statement commiserating with the people of Foron and Abonong where eight people were killed and many houses burnt as confirmed by the police conveyed the deep sympathy of Governor Simon Lalong.

    Dati said Governor Lalong has directed security agencies to leave no stone on unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to justice.

    He recalls various peace initiatives being put in place by Governor Lalong to ensure lasting peace in the state, the latest being the just ended Northern Region Christian Association of Nigeria summit in Jos.

    The government explained that the review of the criminal justice act in the state is to ensure criminals are tried in the state.

    Dati conveyed the condolences of Governor Lalong to all those who lost their loved ones and property, including the Church of Christ in Nations which lost a priest and his family in the attack.

    The Governor appreciated COCIN for providing sanctuary for some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as other organizations for their role in bringing succour to victims of conflict.

    He implored citizens not to give up on the state’s cherished values of peace and hospitality adding that they should not take laws into their hands when provoked but collaborate with security agencies to prevent any break down of law and order and bring criminal elements to justice.

  • Lalong’s convoy attacked at IDP camp in Jos

    Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau’s convoy was on Saturday attacked by displaced persons living at  Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Jos.

    Thenationonlineng.net reports that the incident occurred when he visited one of the IDPs at Zawan to  give relief materials to the IDPs.

    Stones were thrown at the governor’s car and the vehicles of his entourage that included his Deputy,  Prof.  Sonni Tyoden.

    Windscreen of many cars were smashed but the governor escaped unhurt as stones could not penetrate his bullet proof car.

    When Governor Lalong arrived at the IDP camp,   the displaced persons started murmuring: ‘We don’t want relief materials,  we want to go back to our ancestral homes’.

    Lalong in an address before the stoning, assured the people that the State Government would do what it could to address challenges being faced by the Internally Displaced Persons.

    The governor said  he visited  the IDP camp  to see for himself the condition of the displaced persons and ensure that they received  the relief materials released by government.

    He urged them to be patient as government was working hard to ensure that their security is guaranteed before they are relocated to their homes.

    Governor Lalong who said government will hunt and  arrest their attackers,  reiterated that he would not allow their ancestral land to be grabbed.

    Earlier, a representative of the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA,  Mr. Eugene Nyelong commended government and other people who have been supportive of the IDPs.

    He appealed to relevant ministries and agencies to give more attention to the camps, especially in the area of hygiene.

    Mr Francis Chong, the Camp Coordinator, urged the governor to stand by his word of protecting their land from being grabbed by the invaders

    Chong also appealed to the state government to provide more security to the displaced persons.

    He also appealed to government to assist with medication,  those suffering from various health conditions.

  • NCWS calls for calm in Plateau, other crises prone areas

    The National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs Gloria Shoda,  has appealed for calm and restraint in Plateau, where 86 people died in the violence that erupted in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

    The police in Plateau confirmed that 86 people died in the violence that erupted on Saturday in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

    The violence, allegedly by armed herdsmen, almost led to reprisal attacks by in Jos, the state capital, on Sunday; leading the government to declare a curfew.

    According to a statement on Thursday, Shoda, expressed concern over the violence which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

    “As wives and mothers we are saddened by the continuous spate of killings and communal clashes across several states in our country.

    “The killing span through Taraba, Benue, Ebony and Kaduna, the most recent is in Plateau.

    Read Also: Lalong denies carving out land mass for cattle colonies

    “Murder and maiming over resources has never solved anything. It only sows further seeds for more mayhem and violence, deepens mistrust and breeds instability and as we can see there are reports of retaliation by the affected communities,’’ she said.

    She said that while the security agents were trying to unravel those behind the acts of criminality, youths in the affected local governments should resist from taking the law into their own hands to retaliate.

    Shoda condoled with the bereaved called on the leaders in the affected communities to continue to assuage the fears and concerns of the people not to abandon their homes or seek vengeance.

    The national president advised the affected communities to allow the due process of the law to take place.

    Shoda urged the law enforcement agencies to mount a thorough investigation in order to bring the perpetrators of these crimes against humanity to book and for justice to be served.

    She expressed hope that the state government under the leadership of Gov Simon Lalong would provide the post-conflict support to the victims and their families.

    “In times like this we should ensure that the bereaved and injured receive all the support that they need to overcome their losses, recuperate and carry on with their lives.

    “Women all over Nigeria urge that the necessary security measures be put in place to prevent these kinds of acts from reoccurring.”

    NAN

  • Desperate politicians behind killings in Plateau – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday decried how desperate politicians have increasingly cheapened human life in their quest to establish a reign of instability and chaos in the country for political gains.

    President Buhari, who was reacting to recent clashes in Plateau, which left scores dead, said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, that those behind the killings hoped that it would give them an advantage in the coming elections.

    He said: “We know that a number of geographical and economic factors are contributing to the longstanding herdsmen/farmers clashes.

    “But we also know that politicians are taking advantage of the situation. This is incredibly unfortunate.

    “Nigerians affected by the herdsmen/ farmer clashes must always allow the due process of the law to take its course rather than taking matters into their own hands.’’

    Read Also: Buhari: Plateau killings regrettable, painful

    The presidency quoted security information which indicated that about one hundred cattle were rustled by a community in Plateau State, and some herdsmen were killed in the process.

    The report also revealed that the state governor, Simon Lalong, had invited the aggrieved groups and pleaded against further action while the law enforcement agents looked into the matter.

    Less than 24 hours later, violence broke out.

    It further stated that some local thugs then took advantage of the situation, turning it into an opportunity to extort the public, and to attack people from rival political parties.

    “There were reports of vehicles being stopped along the roads in the state, with people being dragged out of their cars and attacked if they stated that they supported certain politicians or political party.

    “On his way back to Jos after attending the All Progressives Congress (APC) Convention in Abuja, the state governor had to dismantle a number of illegal road blocks set up by these thugs. There were also a number of dead bodies thugs had killed, lying along the road,’’ the report added.

    The Police Command in Plateau had on Sunday confirmed the killing of 86 people in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

    The command had earlier said that only 11 persons were killed.

    ASP Terna Tyopev, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the new figure on Sunday in Jos.

    The Plateau Government had since announced a dusk to dawn curfew in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas to check further breakdown of law and order in the state.

    NAN

  • Lalong woo investors to Plateau

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has called on international investors in the United States that there are vast opportunities in the agricultural sector of in Plateau state awaiting willing investors.

    Governor Lalong who is part of President Muhammad Buhari’s engagement with US President Donald Trump and the business community was said to have told a gathering of agricultural investors that Plateau’s temperate weather gives it advantage in all year agricultural production.

    In a statement issued by the state commissioner for Information and Communication Yakubu Dati reads, “Governor Lalong took advantage of his trip to US to woo investors who has interest in agriculture, the governor told them the fact that Plateau state is suitable for the production of exotic crops, assorted grains, livestock & Irish potatoes among others.

    “The Governor explain areas of investment in agriculture include dairy products, juice making, storage and processing of farm produce.

    He said his administration has created the enabling environment for business to thrive through the establishment of a one – stop shop and easy access to land.

    “Governor Lalong added that the Federal Government has  designated the Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos, as a Cargo Airport, to facilitate the exports of perisheable produce abundant in the State. He added that the Inland container depot is being constructed near the airport to support the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods and services”